KR20100027502A - Mobile terminal equipped with flexible display and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A mobile terminal equipped with a flexible display and a controlling method thereof are provided to solve the inconvenience in an input operation by expanding the display region through the internal flexibility inside the mobile terminal. CONSTITUTION: First and second flexible display units(151b,151c) are extended between front case(100A-1) and a rear case(100A-2). When a user moves a first packing unit(211a) in the right direction, the first flexible display unit is unfolded in the right side of the main display unit(151a). When the user moves a second packing unit(211b) in the left side, the second flexible display unit is unfolded in the left side of the main display unit. The first and second flexible display units have each display region.

Description

Mobile terminal equipped with a flexible display unit and a control method thereof

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a flexible display unit and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a portable terminal for changing and outputting an object displayed on the display area in response to expansion or reduction of the display area of the flexible display unit. It is about a method.

A portable terminal is a portable device that is portable and has one or more functions for making voice and video calls, inputting and outputting information, and storing data. As the functions of the mobile terminals are diversified, they are equipped with complex functions such as taking pictures or videos, playing music files or video files, playing games, receiving broadcasts, wireless Internet, and the like. It is implemented in the form.

In the mobile terminal implemented in the form of such a multimedia device, new attempts have been applied in various ways in terms of hardware and software to implement complex functions. For example, a user interface environment for a user to search for or select a function easily and conveniently. In addition, while the mobile terminal is regarded as a personal portable product for expressing the personality of the user, various types of design changes such as a double-sided LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a front touch screen are also required.

However, since a mobile terminal must consider mobility and portability, there is a limitation in allocating space for a user interface such as a display or a keypad. Therefore, in order to efficiently use various functions provided in the portable terminal, it is necessary to control the operation of the portable terminal through a new input / output method instead of sequentially selecting a menu having a complicated structure.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display unit and a portable display device that enlarges or reduces the display area according to the extent of extension of the flexible display unit, allows objects displayed according to the display area to be variable, and implements a touch inputable input means. A terminal and a control method thereof are provided.

A control method of a portable terminal of the present invention for achieving the above object is a control method of a portable terminal having a main display unit and at least one flexible display unit, wherein the flexible display unit at least in one direction of the main display unit And unfolding one or outputting at least one of a touch keypad input window on the flexible display unit and an auxiliary menu related to a screen displayed on the main display unit.

In addition, the portable terminal of the present invention detects the unfolding of the main display unit, the at least one flexible display unit, and the flexible display unit, and among the sub-menus related to the touch keypad input window displayed on the flexible display unit and the screen displayed on the main display unit. It includes a control unit for controlling to display at least one.

According to the present invention, a flexible display unit which is rolled up or folded using a ductility inside the portable terminal is expanded to expand a display area, thereby displaying an input means capable of displaying a large amount of data and allowing touch input to the display area. Therefore, inconvenience of input and troublesome operation can be eliminated according to the small size of the portable terminal, thereby improving user convenience.

The portable terminal described in the present specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like.

1 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in terms of components according to functions.

Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, and an output unit 150. , A memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, and a power supply unit 190. Such components may be configured by combining two or more components into one component, or by dividing one or more components into two or more components as necessary when implemented in an actual application.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 113, a wireless internet module 115, a short range communication module 117, and a GPS module 119.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. In this case, the broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, and the like. The broadcast management server may mean a server for generating and transmitting at least one of a broadcast signal and broadcast related information, or a server receiving at least one of the pre-generated broadcast signal and broadcast related information and transmitting 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. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 113. 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). In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for all broadcast systems providing broadcast signals as well as such digital broadcast systems. The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 113 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 voice call signal, video call signal, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

The wireless internet module 115 refers to a module for wireless internet access. The wireless internet module 115 may be embedded or external to the portable terminal 100. The short range communication module 117 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, etc. may be used. The GPS (Global Position System) module 119 receives position information from a plurality of GPS satellites.

The A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 121 and a microphone 123. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video call mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided depending on the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone 123 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, 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 113 and output in the call mode. The microphone 123 may use various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

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

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

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141. The proximity sensor 141 may detect the presence or absence of an approaching object or an object present in the vicinity without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity object by using a change in an alternating magnetic field or a change in a static magnetic field, or by using a change rate of capacitance. Two or more proximity sensors 141 may be provided according to a configuration.

The sensing unit 140 may include a gyro sensor 142. The gyro sensor 142 is a concept including a sensor for detecting the movement of an object using a gyroscope, an inertial sensor, and an acceleration sensor. Gyroscopes include mechanical gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, and fiber optic gyroscopes. The gyro sensor 142 detects a movement of the portable terminal and provides a signal for controlling the portable terminal.

The sensing unit 140 may include a gravity sensor 143. The gravity sensor 143 is a concept including all kinds of sensors for detecting the rotation state of the mobile terminal. The gravity sensor 143 connects the weight to the variable resistor and detects the current state of rotation of the terminal by the change of resistance according to the rotation, or places the conductive object in the center, and corresponds to the direction in which the conductive object is in contact with the rotation. The rotation state can be detected.

In addition, the sensing unit 140 further includes a sensor for detecting pressure applied to the flexible display unit, a sensor for detecting rotation of an axis on which the flexible display unit is rolled up, and the like to detect the unfolding of the flexible display unit to the controller 180. Is authorized.

The output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal, a video signal, or an alarm signal. The output unit 150 includes a display unit 151, an audio output module 153, an alarm unit 155, a haptic module 157, and the like. This may include.

The display unit 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is in a call mode, the mobile terminal 100 displays a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to the call. When the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile terminal 100 may display a captured or received image, respectively, or simultaneously, and display a UI and a GUI.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display unit 151 and the touch pad form a mutual layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. If the display unit 151 is configured as a touch screen, the display unit 151 may include a touch screen panel, a touch screen panel controller, and the like. In this case, the touch screen panel is a transparent panel attached to the outside and may be connected to the internal bus of the portable terminal 100. The touch screen panel keeps an eye on the contact result and sends corresponding signals to the touch screen panel controller when there is a touch input. The touch screen panel controller processes the signals and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180 so that the controller 180 can know whether there is a touch input and which area of the touch screen has been touched.

In addition, the display unit 151 may include a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display. It may include at least one of the display (3D display). In addition, two or more display units 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the external display unit (not shown) and the internal display unit (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the portable terminal 100.

The sound output module 153 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 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 153 outputs a sound signal related to a function performed in the portable terminal 100, for example, a call signal reception sound and a message reception sound. The sound output module 153 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the portable terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and the like. The alarm unit 155 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event in a form other than an audio signal or a video signal. For example, the signal may be output in the form of vibration. The alarm unit 155 may output a signal for notifying when a call signal or a message is received. In addition, when the key signal is input, the alarm unit 155 may output the signal as a feedback to the key signal input. The user may recognize the occurrence of an event through the signal output from the alarm unit 155. Of course, the signal for event occurrence notification may be output through the display unit 151 or the sound output module 153.

The haptic module 157 generates various haptic effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 157 is a vibration effect. When the haptic module 157 generates vibration by the tactile effect, the intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 157 may be converted, and may be output by synthesizing different vibrations or sequentially.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 157 is not only caused by vibration, but also by stimulation by an arrangement of pins vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as effects of stimulation through contact of electrodes, effects of stimulation using electrostatic force, and effects of reproducing a sense of cold and warm using elements capable of endothermic or exothermic heat. The haptic module 157 may not only deliver the haptic effect through direct contact, but also implement the haptic effect through the muscles of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 157 may be provided with more than the configuration configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and controlling the controller 180 and may provide a function for temporarily storing input or output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). It can also be done.

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

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. Examples of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100 include a wired / wireless headset, an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card, a memory card, a SIM / UIM card, and the like, and an audio I / O (Input). / Output) terminal, video I / O (Input / Output) terminal, earphone, and the like. The interface unit 170 may receive data from such an external device or receive power and transmit the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100, and may transmit data in the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. .

The controller 180 typically controls the operation of each unit to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia playback module 181 may be configured in hardware in the controller 180 or in software separately from the controller 180.

In addition, 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.

The portable terminal related to the present invention has been described above in terms of components according to functions. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the portable terminal related to the present invention will be further described in terms of components according to appearance. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a bar type portable terminal having a front touch screen among various types of portable terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, and the like will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the bar type portable terminal, but can be applied to all types of portable terminals including the aforementioned type.

2 is a front perspective view of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Referring to FIG. 2, the case forming the exterior of the portable terminal 100 is formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. Such cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin, or may be formed to have a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

In the main body, specifically, the front case 100A-1, the main display unit 151a, the first sound output module 153a, the first camera 121a, the first user input unit 130a, and the second user input unit 130b. The third user input unit 130c may be disposed. The fourth user input unit 130d and the microphone 123 may be disposed on side surfaces of the rear case 100A-2.

The first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c may be extended between the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2.

The user may move the first packing part 211a connected to one end of the first flexible display unit 151b from side to side in the direction of the arrow. When the first packing part 211a is moved to the right, the main flexible display part 151a includes the first flexible display part 151b that is rolled up in the space formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. Unfolds to the right of.

In addition, the second packing part 211b connected to one end of the second flexible display unit 151c may be moved left and right in the direction of the arrow. When the second packing part 211b moves to the left, the main flexible display part 151a includes the first flexible display part 151b that is rolled up in the space formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. Unfolds to the left of.

Unfolded first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c have display areas.

When the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c are unfolded, the controller 180 calculates the size of the display area corresponding to the lengths of the extended first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c. The controller 180 may be configured such that an object displayed on the display area 151c of the first or second flexible display unit 151b or 151c is extended to the first or second flexible display unit 151b or 151c, in particular an extension length. Make changes in response.

The main display unit 151a or the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c include a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like, which visually express information. Since the touch pad is superimposed on the display unit 151 in a layer structure, the display unit 151 may operate as a touch screen, so that input of information by a user's touch may be possible.

In particular, the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c are formed of a material that can be rolled into a space formed between the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2.

The first sound output module 153a may be implemented in the form of a receiver or a speaker. The first camera 121a may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user or the like. The microphone 123 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The first to third user input units 130a, 130b, and 130c may be collectively referred to as the user input unit 130, and may be employed in any manner as long as the user is operating in a tactile manner.

For example, the user input unit 130 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 operated by a wheel or jog method or a joystick that rotates a key. Or the like. In the functional aspect, the first user input unit 130a is for inputting a command such as a start, end, call, etc., and the second user input unit 130b is for inputting a selection of an operation mode. In addition, the third user input unit 130c may operate as a hot-key for activating a special function in the portable terminal 100.

When the user's finger approaches the display unit 151, the proximity sensor 141 installed on the first body detects this and outputs a proximity signal. At this time, it may be configured to output different proximity signals according to the distance the user's finger is located. That is, the distance between the detection object approaching the proximity sensor and the output of the proximity signal is generally referred to as the detection distance. When using a plurality of proximity sensors having different detection distances, the proximity signals output from each proximity sensor are compared. It is possible to know how close the detection object is.

In addition, a plurality of proximity sensors having different detection areas are arranged to determine which proximity sensor is output from among the proximity sensors to determine which area of the display unit 151 the proximity object approaches, and the detection object. May be determined to move closer to the display unit 151. Accordingly, the controller 180 may control to output a corresponding haptic signal by selecting a touch key corresponding to a proximity position of a user's finger or the like.

When the user tilts or shakes the portable terminal, the gyro sensor 142 detects the movement of the portable terminal. The gyro sensor 142 generates a signal corresponding to the movement of the portable terminal and outputs the signal to the controller 180. The controller 180 detects information related to the movement, such as the direction, angle, speed, intensity, and current position of the portable terminal, from the signal generated by the gyro sensor 142.

The controller 180 tracks the movement of the portable terminal through the information detected from the signal generated by the gyro sensor 142. Depending on the components constituting the gyro sensor 142 may be different information that can be detected from the signal generated by the gyro sensor. The portable terminal is provided with a gyro sensor 142 according to the motion information of the portable terminal to be detected. At least one gyro sensor 142 may be provided in the portable terminal. The controller 180 may control the gyro sensor 142 to operate only when executing a specific application in response to the information to be detected.

When the mobile terminal rotates, the gravity sensor 143 detects a rotation state and generates a rotation signal corresponding to the detected rotation state. The controller 180 rotates the screen displayed on the display unit 151 when the mobile terminal detects information rotated by a 90 degree unit from the rotation signal generated by the gravity sensor 143.

The screen may be rotated finely according to the sensitivity of the gravity sensor 143. However, the screen may be rotated by 90 degrees for convenience of display and real-time display. For example, when the portable terminal is rotated by 90 degrees, the controller 180 detects that the portable terminal is rotated by 90 degrees through the rotation signal generated by the gravity sensor 143. The controller 180 rotates and displays the screen displayed on the display unit 151 by 90 degrees so as to correspond to the rotation direction of the mobile terminal. When the mobile terminal is rotated 180 degrees, the controller 180 inverts the screen displayed on the display unit 151 upside down before the rotation.

3 is a rear perspective view of the portable terminal shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, a packing part 211b of the fifth user input unit 130e and the second flexible display unit 151c may be disposed on the side of the rear case 100A-2, and the rear case 100A-2 may be disposed. The second camera 121b may be additionally mounted on the rear side of the).

The second camera 121b may have a photographing direction substantially opposite to that of the first camera 121a, and may have different pixels from the first camera 121a. For example, in the case of a video call or the like, the first camera 121a has a low pixel so that the user's face is photographed and transmitted to the other party, and the second camera 121b photographs a general subject and does not transmit it immediately. In many cases, it is desirable to have a high pixel.

The mirror 125 and the flash 126 may be further disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The mirror 125 allows the user to see his / her own face or the like when the user wants to photograph (self-photograph) the second camera 121b. The flash 126 illuminates the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

A second sound output module (not shown) may be further disposed on the rear case 100A-2. The second sound output module may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output module 153a, and may be used for a call in the speakerphone mode.

In addition, an antenna (not shown) and an interface unit (not shown) may be disposed at one side of the second rear case 100A-2 in addition to an antenna for a call. The antenna may be installed to be pulled out of the rear case 100A-2.

The interface unit (not shown) serves as a path allowing the mobile terminal 100 to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit may be at least one of a connection terminal for connecting to the earphone, a port for short-range communication, or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the portable terminal 100 by wire or wirelessly. The interface unit may be a card socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) and a memory card for storing information.

The rear case 100A-2 is provided with a power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the portable terminal. The power supply unit 190 is, for example, a rechargeable battery, and may be detachably coupled to the rear case 100A-2 for charging.

In the above description, the second camera 121b and the like are disposed on the rear case 100A-2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, even if the second camera 12b is not separately provided, the first camera 121a may be rotatably formed to be able to shoot up to the photographing direction of the second camera 121b.

4 and 5 are front and rear perspective views of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, in the second embodiment, the third flexible display unit 151d is extendable between the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2. It is provided.

The third flexible display unit 151d is rolled into a space formed by the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2, and is connected to one end of the third flexible display unit 151d (the third packing unit 151d). When 211d) is moved downward in the direction of the arrow, the third flexible display unit 151d is spread out below the main display unit 151a. When the user pulls down the third packing part 211d, the third flexible display part is unfolded.

The third flexible display unit 151d may move up and down as the third packing unit 211d moves up and down. In this case, the third flexible display unit 151d has a first display area 151d-1.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the display areas of the third flexible display unit 151d extend left and right. The third flexible display unit 151d is folded into the front case 100A-1 and the rear case 100A-2 in a folded form, and the folded second and the second display regions 151d-1 are unfolded. The third display areas 151d-2 and 151d-3 may spread from side to side.

In this case, the third flexible display unit 151d may be connected to the first, second and third display regions 151d-1, 151d-2, and 151d-3 through connecting means such as white paper.

The controller 180 detects that the third flexible display unit 151d is unfolded and changes the screen displayed on the third flexible display unit 151d in response to the unfolded length, the extended length, and the area.

The controller 180 detects that the first display area 151d-1 of the third flexible display unit 151d is unfolded by one step, and the second or third display areas 151d-2 and 151d-3 Detect spreading step by step. At this time, the controller 180 determines whether the unfolded angle of the second and third display areas 151d-2 and 151d-3 or the degree of pressure applied is sensed by the sensing unit 140, based on the detection signal. Detect it. In addition, when the flexible display unit is rolled up, the controller 180 detects the unfolding of the flexible display unit based on the sensing unit 140 when it is detected by the sensing unit 140 that the flexible display unit is rotated.

Accordingly, the controller 180 may change the magnification, shape, type, and number of objects displayed on the display area of the third flexible display unit 151d to correspond to the area of the unfolded area of the third flexible display unit 151d. do. In particular, as the first, second, and third display areas 151d-1, 151d-2, and 151d-3 of the third flexible display unit 151d are unfolded, different objects may be displayed on each display area, or the displayed magnification may be increased. To be changed.

6 and 7 are front and rear perspective views of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the third exemplary embodiment, the fourth flexible display unit 151e is provided to extend between the rear case 100A-2 and the flexible display case 210, and is spread below the main display unit 151a.

When the fourth packing part 211e connected to one end of the fourth flexible display unit 151e is moved downward in the arrow direction, the fourth flexible display part 151e is unfolded and the fourth packing part 211e is moved in the direction of the arrow. The fourth flexible display unit 151e moves up and down as the user moves up and down. In this case, the fourth packing part 211e is fitted to the flexible display case 210 and fixed.

The fourth flexible display unit 151e is inserted into the flexible display case 210 in a folded state, and in a state in which the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in the lower portion of the main display unit 151a, the display area is extended by gradually expanding the folded portion.

When the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded, the controller 180 changes the displayed object or the magnification of the displayed object according to the extended display area. When the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in one step, the controller 180 displays an object on the first display area 151e-1, and the folded second or third display areas 151e-2 and 151e-3. ) Is expanded to the left or right, the object is displayed enlarged, or a separate object is displayed on the second or third display areas 151e-2 and 151e-3.

Here, the rear case 100A-2 and the flexible display case 210 are connected by rotatable rotation means, and in the state in which the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded, the rear case 100A-2 or the flexible display case. The 210 may be rotated 90 degrees to change the position of the main display unit 151a.

In this case, the controller 180 detects that the rear case 100A-2 or the flexible display case 210 is rotated so that the display direction of the displayed object is changed as the position of the main display unit 151a is changed.

The flexible display unit included in the portable terminal of the present invention may be rolled inside the portable terminal as shown in the first, second, and third embodiments, or may be rolled inside a separate flexible display case, and may be unfolded in a folded state. In addition to being formed, it also includes a flexible display that can be folded in other forms. The flexible display unit of the first, second, and third embodiments does not limit the scope of the present invention.

8 and 9 are flowcharts referred to for describing a method for controlling a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the controller 180 displays a first object on the main display unit 151a of the portable terminal (S410). The first object displayed on the main display unit 151a is a content played on the portable terminal, a screen or a menu icon of an application executed on the portable terminal. Here, the main display unit 151a is activated before the flexible display unit is extended by the user unfolding the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c. The main display unit 151a may be located in front of the portable terminal.

The controller 180 detects unfolding of the first flexible display unit 151b that is curled or folded (S420).

The controller 180 displays the second object in the display area of the first flexible display unit 151b when the first flexible display unit 151b is extended to extend the display area. In this case, the controller 180 changes the magnification of displaying the second object according to the extension length of the first flexible display unit 151b.

The controller 180 detects unfolding of the second flexible display unit 151c that is curled or folded (S440). The controller 180 displays the third object on the display area of the second flexible display unit 151c when the second flexible display unit 151c is extended to extend the display area. In this case, the control unit 180, like the first flexible display unit 151b, causes the magnification of the third object to be displayed to be changed according to the extension length of the second flexible display unit 151c.

As the second or third object, an auxiliary menu related to the first object displayed on the main display unit 151a may be displayed, or a touch keypad input window may be displayed. In this case, the touch keypad input window is displayed in the form of a keyboard of a predetermined keyboard layout capable of touch input.

The sub-menu may be a sub-menu of the first object or related to the first object, such as a message list, a playlist corresponding to playing multimedia content, a phone book, a call list, a setting menu according to camera shooting, a multi-task menu capable of simultaneous operation, and the like. It can be a menu or a list.

The second and third objects displayed on the display areas of the first flexible display unit 151b and the second flexible display unit 151c may be disposed on the left and right sides thereof, and their positions may be changed. In some cases, one object may be divided and displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b and the second flexible display unit 151c.

Here, after the first flexible display unit 151b is unfolded, the second flexible display unit 151c is not unfolded, and regardless of the order, the controller 180 is configured to control the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c. The unfolding is detected to display the second object or the third object on the display area.

In addition, the controller 180 displays a letter or an icon indicating information on an extended length or area of the flexible display unit on the main display unit 151a or the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c. The extension information of the flexible display unit which can be displayed through a letter or an icon includes information on the total length or area that the flexible display unit can extend, information about the length or area in which the flexible display unit is currently extended, or a length that the flexible display unit can now further extend. Or information about the area. The user may determine whether to further extend the flexible display unit based on a character or an icon representing information about an extended length or area.

Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 180 displays the first object on the main display unit 151a of the portable terminal (S410). The first object displayed on the main display unit 151a is a content played on the portable terminal, a screen or a menu icon of an application executed on the portable terminal.

The controller 180 detects that the rolled or folded first flexible display unit 151b is unfolded in one step (S520). When the flexible display unit is extended, the controller 180 calculates an area or length of the display area that can be displayed on the extended first flexible display unit. The display area corresponds to an extension length or area of the flexible display unit.

The controller 180 displays the second object on the display area of the first flexible display unit 151b unfolded in the first step (S530).

The controller 180 detects that the first flexible display unit 151b is unfolded in the second step (S540). In this case, the first flexible display unit 151b expands the display area by expanding the second step.

The controller 180 enlarges and displays the second object displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b in which the display area is expanded from step 1 to step 2, or causes the third object to be displayed on the extended display area. (S550). Here, whether the enlarged display of the second object or the display of the third object may be varied according to the object displayed on the main display unit 151a, and an object designated according to a setting may be output.

In addition, the controller 180 detects unfolding of the first flexible display unit 151b in three steps (S560). In this case, when the first flexible display unit 151b is unfolded in three stages, the unfolded area becomes wider than in the unfolded two stages, and thus the display area is expanded.

The controller 180 can enlarge and display the second object or display the third or fourth object in the extended display area of the first flexible display unit 151b (S570). When the second step is expanded, when the second object is enlarged, when the third step is expanded, the second object may be enlarged and displayed, or the third object may be displayed on the expanded display area. Further, when the second stage is unfolded, when the second object and the third object are displayed, when the third stage is unfolded, at least one of the second or third objects is enlarged and displayed, or a new agent different from the second or third object. 4 Objects can be displayed.

As described above, as the first flexible display unit 151b is unfolded step by step, the controller 180 detects this and displays a predetermined object on the display area of the first flexible display unit 151b. It may be applied to the unit 151c, and may be applied regardless of the position of the flexible display unit.

On the other hand, when the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c are folded in stages or the horse is wound inside the portable terminal, the display area is reduced in contrast to the case described above, and the controller 180 is applied to the reduced display area. The displayed object is reduced in size, or one of the plurality of displayed objects is deleted so as not to be displayed.

Here, the order in which the displayed objects are deleted is in the reverse order of the order in which the displayed objects are unfolded, so that the last displayed object is deleted first. In some cases, the object selected by the touch input may be deleted first, or the remaining objects may be deleted while leaving only the selected object.

When the object displayed in the display area is enlarged or reduced in size, the controller 180 maintains a constant ratio in which the object is displayed in correspondence with the size of the display area of the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c. In a state of being enlarged or reduced. In addition, the controller 180 may display a variable display ratio of the object according to the extended area or length, the reduced area or the length.

In addition, when the display area is reduced, the controller 180 may display only a part of the displayed object corresponding to the area or the extension length of the display area.

10 to 17 are diagrams for explaining an operation control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention together with various embodiments.

10 is a display example of a display area according to expansion of a second flexible display unit according to a first embodiment of a portable terminal. Hereinafter, the change of the object displayed on the display area according to the unfolding degree of the second flexible display unit will be described as an example. However, the object displayed on the display area may be changed in response to the unfolding of the first flexible display unit. Applicable to

Referring to FIG. 10, the controller 180 displays a message input window on the main display unit 151a, detects this as the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c are opened, and detects the main display unit ( As an object corresponding to the message input window 220 of 151a, the touch keypad input window is displayed on the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c.

As the second flexible display unit 151c, which is curled or folded inside the portable terminal, is extended in the left direction, the display area is expanded.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the second flexible display unit 151c is unfolded in the first step, the second flexible display unit extends by the first extension length L2 to extend the display area.

In the display area of the second flexible display unit 151c, a keyboard-type touch keypad input window is displayed corresponding to the message input window of the first display unit 151a. Since the second flexible display unit 151c extends by the first extension length L2, the controller 180 calculates the size of the display area corresponding to the second flexible display unit 151c and corresponds to the calculated size of the display area. The input window 227 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the second flexible display unit 151c is unfolded to the left in the second step, the second flexible display unit 151c extends to the second extension length L4, thereby expanding the display area. do. The controller 180 calculates the size of the display area as the second flexible display unit 151c extends to the second extension length L4 and, correspondingly, enlarges the display panel 227 larger than the first size touch keypad input window 227. The touch keypad input window 228 of the second size is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the second flexible display unit 151c is extended to the left by a third step, the second flexible display unit 151c extends to the third extension length L6, thereby resulting in a display area. This is expanded. The controller 180 calculates the size of the display area corresponding to the extended third extension length L6, and enlarges the touch keypad input window that is the displayed object to display the touch keypad input window 229 having the third size.

When the second flexible display unit 151c is rolled up or folded to the right, as the extension length of the second flexible display unit is changed, the controller 180 reduces the touch keypad input window displayed corresponding to the reduced display area. Display. Step by step the touch keypad input window 229 of the third size shown in (c) of FIG. 10 is reduced to the touch keypad input window 228 of the second size of FIG. 10 (b), and (a) of FIG. The first size of the touch keypad input window 227 is reduced.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which a touch keypad input window is displayed on a display area of a first or second flexible display unit according to a first embodiment of a portable terminal.

Referring to FIG. 11, as the message input window is displayed on the main display unit 151a and the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c are unfolded, the message input window 220 of the main display unit 151a is displayed. Correspondingly, a keyboard-type touch keypad input window is displayed on the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c.

In this case, the controller 180 divides the touch keypad input window into two areas, and displays the first area 221 of the touch keypad input window on the first flexible display unit 151b, and the remaining second area 222 is formed by the first area 221. 2 is displayed on the flexible display unit 151c.

Since the touch keypad input windows are displayed on the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c based on the message input window 220 displayed on the main display unit 151a, the user may use the first and second hands with both hands. Data is input by touching the flexible display units 151b and 151c.

The controller 180 receives a letter, a number, or a special character corresponding to the touched position when a touch input is generated on the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c, and a message input window of the main display unit 151a. Mark on.

12 illustrates an example in which an object is displayed on the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c in the first embodiment of the portable terminal.

Referring to FIG. 12, the message input window 220 of the main display unit 151a is displayed, and the controller 180 detects the unfolding of the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c to detect the unfolding of the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c. Different objects are output to the display areas of the second flexible display units 151b and 151c, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the controller 180 causes the numeric touch keypad input window 223 to be displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b, and the touch keypad on the second flexible display unit 151c. The input window 224 is displayed.

In this case, the controller 180 calculates an area of the display area corresponding to the extension lengths of the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c, and accordingly, the numeric touch keypad input window 223 or the touch keypad input window. 224 is displayed in a predetermined size.

The first flexible display unit 151b displays a numeric touch keypad input window 223 of a first size according to a fourth extension length L1 in a first stage unfolded state, and the second flexible display unit 151c displays a second flexible display unit 151c. The touch keypad input window 224 of the second size is displayed corresponding to the third extension length L6 in the unfolded state in three steps.

In this case, the position of the displayed touch keypad input window may be determined according to the setting, and when the touch input or predetermined data is set by the user, the displayed position may also be changed.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the first flexible display unit 151b is extended to the sixth extension length L5 so that a touch keypad input window 225 having a third size is displayed on the display area. The second flexible display unit 151c displays the numeric touch keypad input window 226 of the first size in the display area as the first extended length L2 is unfolded.

When the touch keypad input window 225 displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b is touched and dragged to the main display unit 151a, an object displayed on the main display unit 151a and the first flexible display unit 151b. Can be interchanged with each other. Also, when the touch keypad input window 225 of the first flexible display unit 151b is touched and then dragged to the second flexible display unit 151c, the first flexible display unit 151b and the second flexible display unit ( The display objects of 151c may be interchanged so that a numeric touch keypad input window may be displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b, and a touch keypad input window may be displayed on the second flexible display unit 151c.

13 illustrates an example in which an auxiliary menu is displayed on the first and second flexible display units 151b and 151c in the first embodiment of the portable terminal.

In addition to the touch keypad input window or the numeric touch keypad input window, the first or second flexible display units 151b and 151c display an auxiliary menu corresponding to the object displayed on the main display unit 151a.

As shown in FIG. 13A, when the received message list 230 is displayed on the main display unit 151a, a sub-menu corresponding to the received message list is displayed on the first flexible display unit 151b. The attached attachment file list 231 is displayed, and the touch keypad input window 232 is displayed on the second flexible display unit 151c.

As shown in FIG. 13B, when the message input window 220 is displayed on the main display unit 151a, the touch keypad input window 233 is displayed on the display area of the first flexible display unit 151b. In the display area of the flexible display unit 151c, the attachment list 234 attached to the message to be created is displayed on the message input window 220 displayed on the main display unit 151a.

14 illustrates an example in which an auxiliary menu or a related menu is displayed on the first and second flexible display units in response to an object displayed on the main display unit in the first embodiment of the portable terminal.

When the mobile terminal attempts to connect to another terminal, the call connection window 240 is displayed on the main display unit 151a. In this case, the first flexible display unit 151b may display information related to a call partner, for example, information stored in a phone book with respect to a call partner, or a received message 241 received from a call partner. . The second flexible display unit 151c displays a recent call list 242 corresponding to the call connection window 240 displayed on the main display unit 151a.

In some cases, a menu which can be executed simultaneously during a call connection may be selectively displayed on either the first or the second flexible display unit.

Meanwhile, when any one of data included in an object displayed on the first or second flexible display unit is selected, an object of the main display unit 151a may be changed. For example, if one of the recent call lists displayed on the second flexible display unit 151c is selected and a call is attempted, the mobile terminal attempts to connect to the terminal of the selected counterpart and displays an object such as a list of telephone numbers. The call connection window 240 may be displayed on the display unit 151a.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which an object is displayed on a display area of a third flexible display unit in a second embodiment of the portable terminal.

In the second embodiment of the portable terminal shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described above, the third flexible display unit 151d is spread out below the main display unit 151a.

As the third flexible display unit 151d of the portable terminal extends downward, a display area of the third flexible display unit extends below the main display unit 151a to correspond to an object displayed on the main display unit 151a. The object of is displayed.

When the message input window 250 is displayed on the main display unit 151a, the controller 180 detects the spread of the third flexible display unit 151d and touches the display area of the third flexible display unit 151d. The keypad input window 251 is output.

In this case, when the third flexible display unit 151d is unfolded in the first step, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, the touch keypad input window is displayed on the first display area 151d-1. In this case, a part of the third flexible display unit 151d is folded, and the second and third display areas 151d-2 and 151d-2 are positioned in a state of being folded on the rear surface.

When the second and third display areas 151d-2 and 151d-2 are unfolded, the controller 180 detects that the third flexible display unit 151d is unfolded in the second and third steps, and FIG. 15. As shown in (b), the enlarged touch keypad input window 252 is displayed on the entire first to third display areas 151d-1 to 151d-3.

Herein, when the second display area 151d-2 is first unfolded and the third display area 151d-3 is unfolded, the controller 180 also gradually enlarges the size of the touch keypad input window displayed on the display area. To be displayed.

16 and 17 illustrate examples of displaying an object on a fourth flexible display unit in the third exemplary embodiment of the portable terminal.

6 and 7, the fourth flexible display unit 151e, which is rolled up or folded in the flexible display case 210 positioned on the rear surface of the portable terminal, is the main display unit (see FIG. 6 and 7). It is spread out below 151a to display a predetermined object on the display area.

In this case, since the flexible display case 210 is rotatable, the portable terminal is rotated 90 degrees left or right as shown in FIG. 16. When the rotation is detected by the gravity sensor 142 or the gyro sensor 142 of the sensing unit 140, the controller 180 corresponds to the rotation direction of the object 260 displayed on the main display unit 151a. Make sure it is displayed in landscape orientation.

When the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in the third step as shown in FIG. 16 (c) in a state in which the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in the second step as shown in FIG. 16A, the controller 180 detects this and The two-size touch keypad input window 261 is enlarged and displayed on the third-size touch keypad input window 262.

On the other hand, when the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in the third stage in a state in which the fourth flexible display unit 151e is unfolded in the second stage as shown in FIG. 16A, the display area is expanded, as shown in FIG. A new object can be displayed in the area.

For example, when the picture area 264 is displayed as a thumbnail on the display area of the fourth flexible display unit 151e expanded in the second step, when the display area is expanded by expanding in the third step, the camera is extended to the expanded area. The submenu 263 may be displayed.

As described above, when the flexible display unit which is rolled up or folded is unfolded, the mobile terminal detects this, expands the display area, outputs a predetermined object, and outputs a large amount of data by utilizing the flexible display unit as a display unit. By implementing the input means capable of touch input, the operability according to data input can be improved.

The portable terminal and its operation control method according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described as described above, but the embodiments are all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made. May be optionally combined.

Meanwhile, the present invention can be embodied as processor readable codes on a processor readable recording medium provided in a mobile terminal such as a mobile station modem (MSM). The processor-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices that store data that can be read by the processor. Examples of the processor-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave such as transmission over the Internet. . The processor-readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the processor-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but the technical field to which the invention belongs without departing from the spirit of the invention claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a front perspective view of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a rear perspective view of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

4 and 5 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

6 and 7 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

8 and 9 are flowcharts referred to for describing a control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10 to 17 are diagrams for explaining an operation control method of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention together with various embodiments.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

110: wireless communication unit 120: A / V input unit

130: user input unit 140: sensing unit

150: output unit 160: memory

170: interface unit 180: control unit

Claims (17)

In the control method of a mobile terminal having a main display unit and at least one flexible display unit, Spreading at least one of the flexible display unit in one direction of the main display unit; And And outputting at least one of a touch keypad input window on the flexible display unit and an auxiliary menu associated with a screen displayed on the main display unit. The method of claim 1, The flexible display unit is a control method of a mobile terminal, characterized in that spread in different areas in stages. The method of claim 2, And a size of a screen displayed on the flexible display unit is adjusted to correspond to an area where the flexible display unit is spread out. The method of claim 1, Splitting the screen of the flexible display unit into at least one area to display the touch keypad input window in a first area, and to display a sub menu related to the screen displayed on the main display part in a second area. Control method of the terminal. The method of claim 1, Dividing the screen of the flexible display into at least one area, outputting the submenu to a first area, and displaying a second submenu different from the submenu displayed on the first area to a second area; Control method of a mobile terminal. The method of claim 1, The flexible display unit is spread out on the left and right sides of the main display unit, respectively. The touch keypad input window is displayed on a left region of the flexible display unit, which is opened on the left side of the main display unit. And displaying the auxiliary menu on a right side area of the flexible display unit on the right side of the main display unit. The method of claim 1, The flexible display unit further comprises the step of unfolding one step in any one direction of the main display unit, And outputting at least one of the touch keypad input window and the auxiliary menu to the flexible display unit. The method of claim 7, wherein The flexible display unit further includes the step of unfolding in two stages in the left and right directions in the unfolded state of the first stage, And at least one of the touch keypad input window and the auxiliary menu displayed on the flexible display unit is enlarged and displayed. The method of claim 8, In a state where the flexible display unit is unfolded in the two steps, the screen of the flexible display unit is divided into at least one region, The touch keypad input window and the sub menu displayed on the flexible display unit are displayed. The method of claim 7, wherein And rotating the main display unit. The flexible display unit interlocks with the main display unit, and the screen displayed on the main display unit is enlarged and displayed on the main display unit and the flexible display unit. The method of claim 1, The auxiliary menu may be any one of a message list, a playlist corresponding to playing multimedia content, a phone book, a call list, a setting menu according to camera shooting, and a multitask menu capable of simultaneous operation. A main display unit; At least one flexible display unit; And And a controller configured to detect the unfolding of the flexible display unit so that at least one of a touch keypad input window and an auxiliary menu related to a screen displayed on the main display unit is displayed on the flexible display unit. The method of claim 11, The flexible display unit extends in at least one direction of the top, bottom, left and right of the main display unit. The method of claim 13, The flexible display unit is characterized in that the unfolded in different areas according to the step. The method of claim 14, The flexible display unit is characterized in that the size of the screen displayed on the flexible display unit is adjusted in response to the unfolded area. The method of claim 14, The flexible display unit is spread in one direction in any one direction of the main display unit, the mobile terminal, characterized in that unfolded in two stages in the left and right directions in the expanded state of the first stage. The method of claim 14, The flexible display unit is characterized in that each of the left and right sides of the main display unit unfolds.

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